Kathryn J. Grupy, of Burlington and formerly of Ft. Madison and Monmouth, a beautiful soul, passed away at the age of 79, leaving this world to join her beloved parents and brother. Born on January 31, 1945, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Lucille Rodabaugh and Henry Rodabaugh, Kathy was raised in Fort Madison with her older brother, two older sisters, and one younger sister. The bond between the siblings was strong for the rest of her life. It was in Fort Madison where she would later meet the love of her life, William Grupy.
Kathy and Bill married in 1963 at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison, Iowa, and together they raised two children, Christy Grupy-Gray and Craig Grupy. Their journey took them wherever the grocery industry led, and they found success as business owners. They were widely known for their cherished grocery store of 27 years, Sav-a-Lot, in Monmouth, Illinois, where they served the community with warmth and dedication. Kathy and Bill truly loved their employees, customers, and the community they built together.
Kathy and Bill shared a passion for the water, spending countless joyful days on their pontoon boat at Lake Warren or on their Boston Whaler cruising the Mississippi River. No matter where life took them, Kathy found joy in transforming each house into a beautiful home that reflected her vision.
Family was the cornerstone of Kathy's life. She cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often saying her grandkids kept her feeling young. She was always ready for adventures with her granddaughters, enjoyed vacations with her sisters, and Sundays were made special by visits with her granddaughter and great-grandson. Kathy also treasured her Wednesday gatherings with her dear friends. Her love for her dogs was as boundless as her love for shopping—a hobby she pursued with unmistakable enthusiasm. Kathy was known for her fun-loving, adventurous, and spirited nature. She was loving, spunky, and sometimes stubborn, but she loved her family unconditionally and wholeheartedly.
As we mourn her passing, we find solace in the words that helped Kathy through the loss of her mother: “It is what it is, not what it was, not what it could be. It just is what it is.” Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, and cherished memories will forever fill the space she left in our hearts.
Survivors include her husband, Bill Grupy of Burlington; one daughter, Christy (Alan) Gray of Port Byron, IL; one son, Craig Grupy of Alexis, IL; five grandchildren, Brandy Grafton-Swartz, Chayla Grupy-Kurdi, Chasity Grupy, Colten Grupy and Jordan Gray; eight great grandchildren; three sisters, Diane Murphy of Omaha, Rosalyn Davis of Prescott and Connie Scott of Omaha. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather Edmund Lawlor and a brother, Terry Rodabaugh.
Friends may call after 2 PM on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory where the family will meet with friends from 3-5 PM. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.
